Most Popular

The 3 Worst Mistakes Your Managers Are Making Right Now

Maybe you’ve heard the old saw about the perfect business being one with no managers, no supervisors, and no employees. Unfortunately, your business isn’t perfect — if it is, we’d love to hear about it! — and you have to deal with managers and supervisors who are probably making these common, risky mistakes right now.

New Mexico: First Female Governor Elected

by Robert P. Tinnin, Jr., Tinnin Law Firm New Mexico voters have elected the state’s first female governor, Republican Susana Martinez. Republicans gained several seats in the New Mexico House of Representatives, but Democrats maintained control of the chamber. There were no contests for seats in New Mexico Senate, where Democrats hold a substantial majority […]

Performance Reviews—Tool Bosses Use to Justify Pay

In yesterday’s Advisor, Samuel Culbert encouraged HR managers to "put the performance review out of its misery." He says HR is the only part of the company that benefits. (Go here for yesterday’s comments.) Today, we’ve got his suggestions for performance previews and an introduction to an extraordinary program for the compensation side of appraisal. […]

Nontraditional Candidates: Hire the Unexpected

STEM programs might produce candidates with strong technical skills, but they often lack transferable ones. While it’s vital to know the technical ins and outs of the field, candidates without the ability to communicate efficiently, lead teams, or resolve conflicts are simply less desirable. For instance, costly communication blunders are a major reason new employees might be fired early on, and a lack of strong communication skills during the interview process might make candidates seem less qualified than they are. But a lack of transferable skills in candidates isn’t the only reason HR professionals are struggling to fill positions. Sometimes, the problem is in the hiring process itself.

Surviving an OSHA Inspection

by John Hall When your friendly Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspector comes a-knockin’, it’s usually too late to get your house in order. Here are some dos and don’ts to prepare you for an OSHA inspection and minimize your chances of citations. Preparation is your best defense Don’t wait until OSHA is at […]

Illinois same-sex marriage law will spawn employment issues

by Steven L. Brenneman On November 5, both houses of the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriages. Governor Pat Quinn is expected to sign the bill into law. If he does, it will take effect in June 2014. The new law will affect Illinois employers in several ways. Regarding employee benefits, employers […]

The Critical Step Harried Hiring Managers Leave Out

“I need this job filled, and I want it posted today!” No surprise that managers who are short an employee want a new hire instantly, but that’s a dangerous approach. Slow down, step back, and figure out what you are looking for. In their eagerness to start interviewing, many managers launch their search before they […]

Idaho: Last Democrat Standing Is Defeated

by J. Kevin West, Hall, Farley, Oberrecht & Blanton, P.A. Before the election, Idaho’s four-member congressional delegation had two Republican senators and a representative from each party. The lone Democrat, Blue Dog Walt Minnick, lost to Raul Labrador, a Tea Party-endorsed underdog (and attorney), who pulled off the unexpected win against the incumbent. So now […]

Coming Soon: OSHA Vs. New House Majority on Enforcement

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) agenda to increase enforcement, which includes items such as ergonomics, noise standards, and an injury and illness prevention program, seems destined to run into resistance from the new Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. It’s fairly clear that changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Act […]

New law streamlines MSP settlement process with on-line information (starting 2014)

Currently, Medicare beneficiaries who have pending claims with third parties responsible for their injuries face settlement delays. The parties cannot determine how much of the settlement is to be used to reimburse Medicare, because Medicare has not been prompt in providing information on the amounts of the benefits it claims to have paid. The result […]